LeBron James, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, exhibited incredible talent during the international competition. The four-time NBA champion delivered back-to-back stellar performances for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading the team to secure the country’s fifth straight gold medal. Furthermore, James’ contributions to the success of the American men’s basketball team were recognized with the tournament MVP award at the 2024 Olympics.
LeBron James, Michael Jordan (Image Credits: Getty Images)
Following James’ Olympic achievements, a former NBA player praised him and placed him above a legendary player. During a recent episode of Get Up on ESPN, Kendrick Perkins, who recently had a controversy with the Lakers star, called James the ‘Official GOAT’ over Michael Jordan after the Lakers superstar won his third Olympic gold.
“He’s the greatest of all time. … He got one up on MJ right now. LeBron James was consistently, from the start of this tournament, the best player on Team USA. Yes, at 39 years of age, but he did it in all fashions. … Everything LeBron James did at this age was a beautiful thing to watch at the Olympics, and he’s one up on Jordan right now. … Now he has three gold medals, MJ has two. He’s the most important player in basketball.” Perkins said.
Kendrick Perkins says LeBron James is officially the GOAT
“He got one up on MJ right now… he has three gold medals. MJ has two… he’s the most important player in basketball.”
(h/t @awfulannouncing ) https://t.co/3mLqMHPZw5
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 12, 2024
Perkins mentioned that James surpassed Jordan because the Chicago Bulls legend has two gold medals, while James added his third gold medal by winning the 98-87 gold medal game against France at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
James Shares Exciting Insights About His Future in International Competition
James delivered outstanding performances for Team USA, helping secure a 6-0 streak at the 2024 Olympics and a 5-0 streak at the pre-Olympic exhibition games. His exceptional efforts earned him widespread praise from American basketball fans. However, during an interview, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers player recently discussed his future in international competition.
“I can’t see myself playing in Los Angeles 2028. I didn’t see myself playing in Paris 2024 too. But four years from now, I can’t see it.” James mentioned in a recent interview.
James believes that he will retire before the start of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Although this news has disappointed fans, supporters still have one NBA season left to witness James’ dominance on the court. Additionally, James will play alongside his son, Bronny James, and it will be fascinating to see the father-son duo in action.